I think the phenomenon of people trying to hook up with "old flames" stems from them trying to reclaim their youth. However, once back with the ex, we realize what about them made us leave (or them leave) in the first place. We kid ourselves into thinking we've grown and changed and are not the same person we once were so this time will be different - well, this is true to a point, but often we've grown even further away from what brought us together in the first place. It's romantic to think on the past with rose colored glasses. We gloss over the negative and it all seems so perfect. We just think we were to young and dumb to appreciate it at the time.
Originally Posted by Nicolette Bordeauxva
I agree in part; disagree in part. There are lots of cases where men and ladies have, after a full life, raising kids, and the death of a spouse, re-connected with a former love, have gotten married, and are thoroughly enjoying the new life and spouse. I say, more power to them; it may keep them young. I still dream of the "one that got away." From a distance, I've followed her career, I know the city in which she lives (I think), and many years ago, I called her out of the blue. It freaked her out and I never did it again. I know that we have both changed over the years and would now not probably click like we did in our early 20s (we are now in our 60s). On my part, it's not so much reclaiming youth (I'm happy with my age and where I am) as it is wondering what my life would have been like had we stayed together. And yes, I still feel that we were soul mates at the time. But in order to stay soul mates, people have to stay together; grow together.
NB, for the most part I think you're right. But there are exceptions to every rule (including this one, lol).